Healthcare IT News

Microsoft develops E-heath Data-aggregation Software

2009-04-07T06:11:00.001-07:00

Microsoft unveils a new version of its software for aggregating and storing electronic health records that makes it easier for patients and doctors to share information electronically.

The new release of Almaga Unified Intelligent System 2009 offers bi-directional integration with Microsoft's HealthVault, an online repository where people can store and manage their health and wellness information. As well as linking Almaga to HealthVault, Microsoft also is adding a Web interface to the system so health-care practitioners who have the right to access information from Almaga can do so through Web portals. The company also has added new features to the system, one of which that allows images such as X-rays and MRIs to be stored.

Still management of health-care records and information appears as big pain point for the Medical Industry. The health-care information system in the U.S. is difficult for both patients and doctors to navigate. Patient health records for the most part remain stored in disparate systems and there are still huge paper trails of records that health-care providers must keep to comply with regulations that govern the industry.

Microsoft, along with other tech giants like Google and IBM, has been at the forefront of helping to improve health-care IT systems. Microsoft executives have even testified before the U.S. Senate to advise the government on the issue.

Google replaces EHR system for employee health clinics

2009-03-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Google recently announced of replacing its electronic health record system (EHR) that it uses for onsite employee health clinic. Google will implement an EHR system from Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Medical Informatics Enginnering (MIE) at two locations in Mountain View, California and one in Kirkland, Washington.

"As part of the Google Health team and as an employee, I am pleased that our own clinics can give patients full access to their health information," said Roni Zeiger, MD, product manager for Google Health. "Innovative products such as MIE's Web-based EHR help put more patients at the center of their care."

The MIE Enterprise Health EHR will integrate with the Google Health product, enabling Google employees to send their health records to the onsite health center EHR prior to a visit.

Employees will be able to send medical information that is documented in the EHR during a clinical encounter to their Google Health account for inclusion in their personal health record.

"We are very pleased that Google has selected MIE's WebChart EHR as a key component to help improve the health and wellness of its own people. As one of the most innovative technology companies in the world, we think it speaks volumes that Google continues to invest in secure, patient-centered and interoperable healthcare IT solutions," said MIE Executive Vice President Peter Norder.